The TV Games Computer: An Exciting Introduction to Microprocessors
By Paul Holmes
Canterbury: Elektor Publishers Ltd, 1981.
ISBN 0-905705-08-4

"TV Games Computer: An Exciting Introduction to Microprocessors" takes the reader through the required steps of creating a computer using component parts, the Signetics 2650 CPU, and the 2636 PVI for graphics and sound.

This archive also includes an interview with Paul Holmes, conducted by Stefan Piasecki in November 2002 and four pictures the TV Games Computer that was built by Manfred Saliger.

This book is of interest to people who use or collect the videogame console called the Interton VC 4000, users of other consoles in the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System family and several other game consoles that use the 2650 CPU.  This book may be applicable to other similar systems like the Emerson Arcadia 2001 and clones which also use the Signetics 2650 CPU.

This scan of the book has bookmarks of all of the chapters, tables and figures to make the 248-page book easier to read.

Elektor TV Games Computer (Excerpted from the Wikipedia Page)

The Elektor TV Games Computer (TVGC for short) was a programmable computer system sold by Elektor in kit form from 1979. It used the Signetics 2650 CPU with the Signetics 2636 PVI for graphics and sound. These were the same chips as used in the Interton VC 4000 console family. A 2K monitor ROM written by Philips and a cassette interface were the most important differences between the TVGC and the Interton family. Many VC 4000 games were adapted versions of TV Games Computer games.[1] It is possible to add cartridge slots to the TVGC to enable it to play console games, and the Hobby Module of the Acetronic console effectively transforms it into a basic TVGC. 

The RAM and sound capabilities of the computer can be expanded. A pair of General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generators are used in the expanded version, meaning that this machine had the most powerful sound capabilities of the time. A noise generator, random number generators and cartridge ports are among the other expansions described. Hardware and software were available from Elektor and Locosoft.

The October 2008 issue of Elektor magazine features the TVGC in its "Retronics" section, which you can read that article here:

https://www.elektormagazine.com/magazine/elektor-200810/18930

An Elektor TV Games Computer Gaming Guide is here:

http://amigan.1emu.net/egg/

Much more information about this computer can be found at Emerson Arcadia 2001 Central, which supports all Signetics 2650-based machines (Interton VC 4000, Elektor TV Games Computer, et al.):

https://amigan.yatho.com/

Introduction from "TV Games Computer"

The first acquaintance with microprocessors can be rather frightening. You are not only confronted with a large and complex circuit, but also with a new language: 'bytes', 'CPU', 'RAM', 'peripherals' and so on. Worse still, the finished article is a miniature computer and so you have to think up some sufficiently challenging things for it to do!

This book provides a different - and, in many ways, easier - approach. The TV games computer is dedicated to one specific task: putting an interesting picture on a TV screen, and modifying it as required in the course of a game. Right from the outset, therefore, we know what the system is intended to do. Having built the unit, 'programs' can be run in from a tape: adventure games, brain teasers, invasion from outer space, car racing, jackpot and so on. This, in itself, makes it interesting to build and use the TV games computer.

There is more, however. When the urge to develop your own games becomes irresistible, this will prove surprisingly easy! This book describes all the component parts of the system, in progressively greater detail. It also contains hints on how to write programs, with several 'general-purpose routines' that can be included in games as required. This information, combined with 'hands-on experience' on the actual unit, will provide a relatively painless introduction into the fascinating world of microprocessors!

TV Games Computer: Table of Contents

Construction and operation

Chapter 1:µP TV games
What it does, and how.

Chapter 2: Building the TV games computer
The circuit and printed circuit boards.

Chapter 3: Instructions for use
The keyboard; basic principles.

Chapter 4: TV games
Fifteen programs on one cassette.

A closer look at the TV games computer

Chapter 5: A closer look at the circuit
Which section does what.

Chapter 6: A closer look at the software
The monitor program, PVI and microprocessor.

Writing programs

Chapter 7: Bits and bytes, clocks and lines
Some essential groundwork.

Chapter 8: The more important instructions
Branching and data transfer.

Chapter 9: Programming tips
Getting started!

Chapter 10: The rest of the instructions
Arithmetic, logic and a few tricks.

Chapter 11: Using monitor routines
Keyboard scan and text display.

Chapter 12: The interrupt facility
How to use it - safely!

Chapter 13: Joysticks
Calibration routines.

Chapter 14: Random numbers
A subroutine and a circuit.

Chapter 15: Some useful routines
Developing programs the easy way!

Chapter 16: A closer look at the monitor program
Several useful subroutines.

Chapter 17: An improved text routine
A complete alphabet, and more!

The extended version

Chapter 18: TV games extended!
Another 3K of memory, and better sound effects.

Chapter 19: Programmable Sound Generators
Organ, explosion or wolf whistle.

Final notes

Chapter 20: Writing programs
...for use by others.

Chapter 21: Plug-in EPROM programmer
Program 2716s the easy way!

Appendix

Appendix A: The basics in a nutshell
The PVI layout, PSG functions and 2650 instruction set.

Appendix B: Useful routines
Keyboard scan, text display, interrupts, joystick calibration and random numbers routines.

Appendix C: The monitor program
Brief survey and complete program listing with comments.

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank NV Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken, who assisted with the design of the basic unit and provided the monitor software; Mr. P.J. Dickers, who helped to design the extension board; Mr. R. Pequet, who provided the original design for the EPROM programmer. On the software side, the improved text routine was suggested by Mr. G.M. Roberts; the basic idea for the disassembler routine was sent to us by Mr. M. Saliger. Several other enthusiasts, and Mr. M.V. Norman in particular, sent us comments and suggestions that have proved extremely helpful.

